Gloria

By Katherine Shaw

She just needed to get through this one night, and then she could leave. Forever.

 

For all intents and purposes, Gloria Harrison has the perfect life: a rich husband, a beautiful home, and all the free time she needs to work on her art. And yet, she is deeply unhappy. Initially resigned to be pushed around by her snobbish, manipulative husband, Greg, she discovers a shocking truth about him she simply cannot ignore, and has to get out.

 

As Gloria's world unravels around her, she has to team up with friends new and old to escape not only her husband's clutches, but also the country, even if that means giving up everything.

 

Gloria must rediscover who she used to be and realise her true worth to finally free herself from Greg's stranglehold forever, or risk losing the person she holds most dear in the world – her daughter.

 

Gloria is a poignant, tense and surprising contemporary thriller guaranteed to grip you from start to finish. Grab your copy now! 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Katherine Shaw
• Release date: Sep 8, 2021
• ISBN: 9781838378615

Book preview

Chapterlogo Transparent E-book

CHAPTER ONE

Gloria leaned against the cold railings of the Juliet balcony. Her eyes, as always, were drawn to the river, its shimmering surface snaking off towards the horizon. So close, and yet desperately out of reach. Bending forwards, the metal dug into her pale, freckled skin, almost to the point of pain, but it was worth it to breathe in that fresh, open air. She yearned to be on the sea, the wind whipping her long, red hair behind her as the salty spray licked her face. That wouldn’t happen for a long time, now. Maybe it would never happen again. She knew she had to forget about the life she used to live and be content, but the water seemed to call to her. It beckoned her to come home.

Taking one last, deep breath, Gloria retreated into her bedroom and slid the balcony doors shut. Despite the light shining in through the wide, glass panes, the room felt dull and lifeless, and she felt a sudden urge to get out. She strode to the doorway, flinging the door back to try and let some air into a space that, despite its great size, felt almost suffocating.

Before she knew it, she was downstairs in the kitchen. She didn’t even remember pouring the glass of wine, but as the silken red liquid slid down her throat, she felt soothed. She closed her eyes and, for a moment, she was outside her favourite bar, the canal by her side and the soft early evening sun caressing her face, without a care in the world.

‘That’s your second bottle already this week.’

Busted.

Gloria’s eyes fluttered open. She was greeted once more by the stark, clinical whiteness of the kitchen counter. ‘I hadn’t realised you were counting,’ she said, lifting her head to face her husband, who was home early again. She regretted her sharp tone as a look of hurt flashed across his handsome face.

‘I’m just thinking of your health, dear,’ Greg said, raising his eyebrows and offering a gentle smile which screamed good intentions.

‘Okay, yes, sorry. I’ll just have one glass today, I promise.’ Gloria didn’t want an argument. She rose, already turning towards the open back door. As the mild summer breeze stirred the loose hair around her shoulders, she felt drawn outside, to the space and sunlight. To nature. ‘I’m going to paint.’

‘Now?’ Even with her back to him, Gloria knew Greg’s face had dropped. ‘I’ve just come in, can’t you spend the evening with me?’

For a moment, she didn’t move. She was stuck, forced again to choose between her creativity and the freedom it brought her, and her responsibility as a dutiful wife. She took a deep breath.

‘You’re right. Let me get started on dinner.’

For all intents and purposes, Gloria had the perfect life. Greg made good money as a successful medical consultant, and he was happy for her to spend her days painting in their lush Surrey garden, rather than going out to work for an unnecessary second income. She could spend her days drifting through their spacious four-bedroom detached home, filling her hours however she pleased. So why didn’t she feel happy?

At least here, in her studio, she found peace. Although Greg didn’t understand her creative spirit whatsoever, he had granted her a wish she had dreamed of since she was a little girl – her own outdoor studio. He’d even let her help design it, with tall, rectangular windows letting in vast amounts of natural light, and wide doors which welcomed all the sights and sounds of the garden. It was idyllic, and Gloria found herself working in here more and more of late.

It was mid-afternoon, and the dipping sun provided the perfect backdrop to her latest painting, awash with the reds, oranges and yellows of the coming sunset. Losing herself in the brush strokes, Gloria felt an inner peace she seldom experienced anywhere else. She was fully absorbed in a daze of colours and sweeping shapes, the canvas coming alive as she danced the brush across its surface.

As time drew on, she resisted the urge to look at her phone, lying face down on a nearby cushion; if she didn’t know the time, there was nothing else she should be doing. It didn’t matter that she was covered in paint – she’d even got it in her hair this time – and she didn’t need to put on any airs and graces; she could just be herself, and it felt wonderful.

Closing her eyes to picture the scene she was trying to replicate on the canvas, Gloria’s mind was dragged back into reality by a sudden buzzing sound. One of these days, she’d remember to turn her phone off vibrate. It was no doubt just a message from Greg, letting her know he was on his way home or was running late at the office. When the phone continued to buzz, however, Gloria’s interest was piqued. It was rare she got phone calls lately. Even Iris had started to stick to their weekly schedule now she was growing up, much to Gloria’s disappointment. She missed her little girl.

Turning over the phone, Gloria frowned as she saw a name that, although very familiar, she hadn’t seen in an awfully long time.

Katie.

It must have been months since they last spoke, maybe even a year or more. What could she possibly be calling for? Gloria almost didn’t answer, wary of the potential awkwardness that comes with an extended lack of communication, but she didn’t want to offend someone who must now be one of her only friends in the UK.

‘Hello? Katie?’ Gloria answered with some trepidation.

‘Gloria! Long time no speak, right?’ After the tranquillity of the garden studio, Katie’s sudden burst of enthusiasm made Gloria jump a little. ‘How’s life in The Manor?’

Gloria couldn’t help but chuckle at that. Katie was one of her few British friends who knew her from before she met Greg. When she had first seen the size of their marital home she had dubbed it The Manor, and the name had stuck. Greg, of course, hated it.

‘Um, yeah. Good, thanks.’ Gloria started to relax. Why had she been so nervous of speaking to Katie? They had been extremely close in the past, after all. ‘Nothing interesting to report back, I’m afraid. How have you been?’

As Katie chattered about her recent high-flying adventures in the world of marketing, Gloria sunk down onto the plump cushions which lined the interior wall of the studio. It felt good to hear her friend’s voice again. Maybe she had been spending too much time on her own lately.

‘Quick question for you, Glor.’

Gloria’s mind snapped back to the present as she realised she might be expected to respond.

‘Are you still painting?’

That was an odd question; no one seemed interested in Gloria’s art these days. ‘Yes. Most days, actually. It’s good for the soul.’

Katie laughed at that – she had never been one for spirituality. ‘That’s what I was hoping to hear! Listen, let’s not catch up over the phone. When are you next free for lunch? I’m in London this week, and I’ve got what I think is an exciting proposal for you!’

Gloria couldn’t pinpoint exactly why, but her conversation with Katie had lifted her mood immensely, so much so that she found herself singing as she washed her hair to rid it of this afternoon’s overenthusiastic brushstrokes. She didn’t even care that the notes fell flat sometimes – she was out of practice, after all. In fact, she couldn’t remember the last time she’d sung, whether privately or otherwise. She certainly didn’t have the confidence to perform anymore. Those days were behind her.

Downstairs, Gloria’s bare feet tapped softly as she scurried into the kitchen, still wrapped up in a bath sheet and singing quietly to herself. She even found herself sinking into a few of her old dance moves from her days in the club, spinning on the gleaming tiles and almost losing her balance.

‘And just where have you been?’

Gloria started. She’d lost track of time completely, and was surprised to hear her husband’s voice. She turned to face Greg, dressed impeccably in a perfectly tailored suit and sporting a dazzling smile.

‘Oh, hi, darling,’ Gloria said, as her heart rate settled. ‘I was just washing my hair. Paint everywhere again!’

Greg strolled up to Gloria and wrapped one of her thick, red curls around his finger.

‘You should be more careful,’ he said softly, rubbing the hair between his fingers as if savouring the texture. ‘You know how much I love your luscious locks.’ He added with a wink.

It was true, Greg has always been enamoured with Gloria’s hair. In fact, it was apparently what had first drawn him to her; he’d told her as much on their first meeting, back in Amsterdam.

‘So, what’s got you in this uncharacteristically cheerful mood?’ he asked, his eyes lingering on the hair between his fingers before he finally let his hand drop and fixed his gaze on her face. ‘I don’t think I’ve heard you sing in months.’

‘Nothing in particular. Although Katie called today, which was nice.’

Greg frowned, confusion settling on his face. ‘Katie who?’

‘Katie Embleton, my old friend from way back. She went off to do a business degree, but visited briefly when I first moved here. Remember?’

Greg’s eyes seemed to flash for a second, but they returned to normal so quickly, Gloria wondered if she’d imagined it.

He let out a sharp laugh. ‘Oh, the silly marketing girl? Damn, Gloria, I didn’t think she’d interest you anymore.’

She was a little taken aback, but shrugged it off. She didn’t understand Greg’s sense of humour sometimes, but had learned to nod along with his jokes. ‘Well, it’s not like we’re close anymore. And I was surprised to see her number flash up, to be honest.’

‘She was probably just on the hunt for gossip, knowing her type. She’s barking up the wrong tree if she’s hoping for scandals in rural Surrey.’ Greg turned towards the dining room, making a beeline for the waiting newspaper as if the conversation was already concluded.

‘She’s asked me to meet her for coffee in London tomorrow. I think it’ll be nice to get out and about for a change.’

Greg stopped and turned, his face seeming to darken as he looked at Gloria, concern painted across his features. ‘Are you sure that’s a good idea?’ At Gloria’s obvious confusion he softened his face a little. ‘It’s been a while since you’ve been into the city – it isn’t the way it used to be, you know. Someone as attractive and...vulnerable as you would be an obvious target for muggers, or worse.’

Gloria frowned, resisting the urge to roll her eyes. Greg could be so melodramatic. It was true she hadn’t been into the city for a while, but could it really be that risky nowadays, at lunch time in the middle of the week? Katie had said she had an exciting proposal, and life had been one identical day after another for Gloria lately. Half the time she didn’t even know what day it was. She would go crazy if she was trapped alone in this house for much longer.

‘It would be good for me to get out, Greg,’ she implored, throwing on her best puppy dog eyes. ‘Besides, Katie will be with me, and she’s always in London. She’ll know where’s safe to go.’

A faint crease of unease still plagued Greg’s forehead, but he shrugged and offered up a small smile. ‘You know I can’t resist those sapphire eyes. All right, have fun, but be careful. And don’t be too late home, okay?’

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CHAPTER TWO

It was a perfect day for a trip to the city. The sky was almost cloudless, and the sun glinting off of the high-rise buildings made for quite the spectacle as the train slowly pulled into Waterloo Station. It had been so long since Gloria had been in a big city, and the hustle and bustle of London made her feel more at home than quiet, leafy Surrey had for quite some time. She missed the energy she gained from being around so many other people, an anonymous figure in the centre of a hive of activity. It was invigorating.

Katie was waiting for her at the station, apparently sharing Greg’s distrust of Gloria’s self-navigation skills. She looked resplendent, dressed all in black as if she had just stepped out of a high-powered board meeting. Gloria suppressed a flutter of nerves at seeing her old friend looking so sophisticated and successful – she hoped things wouldn’t be weird between them.

‘As much as I appreciate having a chaperone, I think you’re forgetting I single-handedly wound my way through Europe back in the pre-smartphone era!’ Gloria laughed.

Granted, Europe hadn’t been easy sailing, but she had survived it, after all.

‘I thought you might be a bit rusty, now you’re Lady of the Manor.’ Katie winked, looping her arm through Gloria’s and leading her off into the crowded street.

In stark contrast to their old haunts of the past –usually whichever local bar offered the cheapest wine by the glass – Katie led Gloria to a chic new restaurant right on the Thames. Thankfully, she opted to travel by taxi, so Gloria didn’t have to embarrass herself by struggling to walk in the heels she had dusted off for the occasion. As she took in her opulent surroundings, she found herself feeling relieved she had made the decision to dress smartly. Although, if she was honest with herself, she’d had so few excuses to dress up lately, she would have donned that same pretty summer dress if they’d been dining out at McDonald’s.

‘It’s gorgeous here, isn’t it?’ Katie said, staring around at the glistening black and white surfaces and glittering crystal light fixtures. She seemed to be dressed to match her elegant surroundings, her simple but tasteful ‘little black dress’ matching the sleek decor perfectly. Her neat, black bob finished off her stylish look perfectly. She wouldn’t have looked out of place on a poster advertising some high-end designer boutique. ‘Swankier than our usual chicken and chips, but I got a good bonus this year, so order what you want – it’s on me.’

A bottle and a half of Sauvignon Blanc later, it was just like old times. Katie was chatting away at what felt like a million words a minute, waving her glass emphatically, and Gloria laughed along to her latest stories and escapades. It was a breath of fresh air after weeks cooped up at home, and as their conversation continued, Gloria began to realise how much she’d missed her friend.

‘Anyway, enough about me,’ Katie said, wiping a tear of laughter from her eye following her latest tale from the corporate world. ‘We’re here for you! I’ve been a busy bee, and I stumbled on an opportunity for you, Gloria, that I think you’ll be very excited about!’

Butterflies fluttered in Gloria’s stomach. She had got so used to her slow-paced, quiet lifestyle, she actually felt a little nervous at the prospect of something new. I’m not an adventurer any more, she thought with a surprising pang of sadness. It had been her decision to settle down back in the UK, after all.

‘When I was last in London,’ Katie’s eyes sparkled with excitement as she continued, oblivious to Gloria’s unease, ‘I was working a corporate networking event. You know, schmoosing potential clients, that sort of thing. Anyway, I met a very interesting person – Meryl Hofmann-Mills, have you heard of her?’

The name was familiar. It conjured up a memory from a long time ago that was just outside her grasp, like when a recognisable smell stirred a feeling within her she just couldn’t place.

‘I think so, but you’re going to have to refresh my memory...’

Katie rolled her eyes in an exaggerated manner. ‘Typical Glor, head in the clouds!’ She smiled and gave Gloria a little wink to make it obvious she was joking. ‘She’s an art dealer, mostly holding shows around Europe, but she’s got a gallery in London now, and I think your paintings would be just perfect for it. She’s offered to look at your work and consider it for her next exhibition! Isn’t that exciting?’

Gloria was shell-shocked, and it took her a moment or two to realise her mouth was hanging open. She now knew why the name rang a bell – there was a Hofmann-Mills show in Amsterdam every year! She’d gone herself one summer and marvelled at the array of exquisite pieces on display. She’d even used a few of them for inspiration for some more risqué pieces she’d experimented with in her younger days, although she’d never admit that now. Yes, she was proud of some of her paintings, but her work on display at a Hofmann-Mills gallery? The very idea was incredible.

‘Well?’ Katie prodded, waving a hand in front of Gloria’s face. ‘Are you going to gawp at me all afternoon or are you going to give me an answer?’

‘Well, that’s, um, exciting!’ Gloria managed to blurt out, her head spinning. ‘But I haven’t sold a painting for months, and even then it’s usually just to small-time venues and cafés. How could she want to feature my work?’

‘I’ve shown her your paintings, babe.’ Katie grinned, topping up their wine glasses. ‘Oh, no need to look so violated! After I spoke to her, I had a rummage through my old hard drives and found some photos we’d taken when we were trying to push your work back in ‘Dam.’

She continued pouring out the wine in silence, and the seconds seemed to drag on for eternity as Gloria waited to hear what Meryl Hofmann-Mills had thought of the – of her – paintings. She couldn’t believe Katie had gone ahead and shown them to her without asking first. Her insides squirmed.

‘She loved them, Glor! And when I told her you’d improved since those days, she was very keen to see more. This is it, girl. You did it!’

Katie giggled as Gloria’s hands shot up to her mouth in excitement, sending her full glass flying across the table and soaking them both in what she was sure was very expensive white wine.

Katie grinned, getting the table back in some semblance of order and shaking her head at her friend. ‘Shall I set up a meeting, then?’

Gloria’s stomach tightened as she considered meeting face to face with Meryl Hofmann-Mills. She had admired her work for years while they were in Amsterdam, and the idea of her paintings being displayed beside them was thrilling and terrifying at the same time. It was all a little overwhelming. She wondered what Greg would say.

‘I don’t suppose I could have a day or two to think it over?’

‘Talk it over with Greg, you mean?’ Katie raised her eyebrows and took Gloria’s hand across the table, her eyes softening. ‘It’s your life, Glor. You can make your own decisions. This is such an exciting opportunity for you, and it’s just one meeting. Why not?’

Maybe it was the alcohol coursing through her veins, or the intoxication of being reunited with her old friend, but Gloria